Reminder: FL Law states when it rains, your head-lights go on!

[A Mickeyfan]

I just wanted to post a reminder for the out of state driver who is visiting out wonderful "Sunshine State". We do get rain, Walt didn't give Mickey the magical powers to wish away the rain so when it rains, the State of Florida has the law where your when your windshield wipers are going, your head lights are are on Please remember to turn on your head lights when you turn on your wipers. I have noticed that there are many cars that do not have them on when driving in the rain, they aren't only out of state plates but also in state... maybe rentals, I don't know. I wanted to give a heads up because it can and will result in a ticket if an officer stops you

 

[sympatico]

Thanks for the reminder. We have daytime running lights in Canada so wouldn't even think to put the lights on in the rain while using the rental car in Florida.

 

[OKW Lover]

All the rental cars I've had in FL for the past couple of years have had automatic headlights.

 

[cwbagne]

Thanks for the reminder.

We got back recently and were there on Saturday, October 8th ... the day of 100% rain! The police were out in force around Disney World catching all the people who were caught off guard. It was very dark and dreary. My rental car did not have automatic lights and one time, I got quite a bit down the road from the Contemporary before I noticed I was using my wipers without the lights on. The clue is when everyone coming toward you has theirs on.

Thanks again.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Then it is possible those FL plates were actually lazy Floridians who decided not to put on their head lights

I live in SW FL were we get mega mega tourist as well and I know most do not use their headlights. I left Orlando early this morning, around 9:30am to head home due to the storm heading in. I usually take I-4 to CR-557, to US-17, then all the way down to to Charlotte County and get on I-75 down there. When I got on 75 there, that is where I hit all the out of State plates with no lights on in the rain..(wasn't raining in Orlando when I left) They are coming in droves to my area.. with their campers, RV's and u-hauls for their winter stays... Down here we call them "snowbirds" because they come for the winter. They are early this year, usually it isn't till just before Thanksgiving...

I have noticed even in Orlando that there are many cars who don't use their headlights.. beside being against the law.. it does make it harder to see the car.. so buckle-up, (when) wipers turn on... headlights go. Safer roads make vacation more fun for you and less expensive too

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Thanks for the reminder.

We got back recently and were there on Saturday, October 8th ... the day of 100% rain! The police were out in force around Disney World catching all the people who were caught off guard. It was very dark and dreary. My rental car did not have automatic lights and one time, I got quite a bit down the road from the Contemporary before I noticed I was using my wipers without the lights on. The clue is when everyone coming toward you has theirs on.

Thanks again.

You are welcome... and I do hope this post can help others as well.. before they get a ticket..

 

[willowsnn3]

Georgia has had this law for several years, so if you're heading to WDW via Georgia turn those headlights on with the wipers.

 

[Glencora]

It's also the law in the NYS - I think the majority of states have this, except maybe Southern California because.... anyone?

 

[bumbershoot]

I thought it was for all states as well. Including southern CA (I just don't get the myth about it not raining there! a nice solid rain at DLR was what got me my first solo hours there!!!). http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc24400.htm


But just the other day I was driving my brother's 10 year old car, and forgot to turn the headlights on in his dim parking garage, because *I* could see well enough, and I didn't realize he didn't have automatic headlights. Forgot that the car is dark dark blue, and the lights were so that others could see me!

 

[gmeh1]

I just wanted to post a reminder for the out of state driver who is visiting out wonderful "Sunshine State". We do get rain, Walt didn't give Mickey the magical powers to wish away the rain so when it rains, the State of Florida has the law where your when your windshield wipers are going, your head lights are are on Please remember to turn on your head lights when you turn on your wipers. I have noticed that there are many cars that do not have them on when driving in the rain, they aren't only out of state plates but also in state... maybe rentals, I don't know. I wanted to give a heads up because it can and will result in a ticket if an officer stops you

I had to chuckle with your post. I live in Orlando(north of the actual city) and it is amazing how many people do not put their headlights on when it rains. I am pretty convinced that the vast majority of these folks are residents of FL because of the location and the time of day I have noticed this. I always have my headlights on cause I drive a black car and it seems to be invisible if I don't use them. Just love a grey car on a grey rainy day, yep, I can see ya. LOL.
Also have you noticed that directional signals seem to be optional equipment on the FL cars? They have to be, cause, no one seems to use them.

 

[Denise W]

It is the law in almost all states, and not just for rain, but snow and fog as well. Many people think their daytime running lights meet the requirement but they forget that no rear lights come on with the daytime running lights. The law is for your actual headlights (which includes your rear lights) to be turned on. I am sure everyone has come upon a car in front of them with no lights on and in rain or snow it can be very difficult to see them, even in the daytime!

Denise

 

[lylone]

Those people without their headlights on were probably from GA. Trust me...even though it is the law people don't turn on their headlights here either!

 

[Lewisc]

Good reminder. More then half the states have such a law.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7598526_laws-headlights-wipers.html

I suspect some people don't know their state has such a law.

 

[Cest_la_vie]

Also DO NOT TURN ON YOUR EMERGENCY BLINKERS. It makes it so nobody can see your turn signals and any law enforcement officer or emergency service vehicle will try to render you assistance. It does not help those around you see you any better. That is what your tail lights are for.

If you are that afraid of getting hit then pull off to the side of the road, then turn on your emergency blinkers.

 

[NotUrsula]

You mean there are places where you don't have to turn on your headlights when it rains? (I guess I have to take back all that under-my-breath cursing that I've been doing for 30 years about the idiots who are driving in the rain with their headlights off, LOL.)

 

[rewok]

I actually don't think there's a law about that here, but I always turn them on in those circumstances! At least with our daytime headlights (Canada), you can see people behind you, but you can't see the car in front of you if their taillights aren't on.

 

[Brian Noble]

More then half the states have such a law.

I've always assumed that Michigan had such a requirement, but we are not not on the list. Nevertheless, I was taught that rule-of-thumb when I learned to drive, and I make a point of reminding my kids (who are itching to learn) to do so as well.

 

[moonpie85]

You mean there are places where you don't have to turn on your headlights when it rains? (I guess I have to take back all that under-my-breath cursing that I've been doing for 30 years about the idiots who are driving in the rain with their headlights off, LOL.)

LOL I know. I was gonna say it's also the law of common sense.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Same law is in GA but alot of people don't follow it. Around here, traffic laws are treated like they are just suggestions.

Good luck.